Who are the women standing vigil for Imran Khan at Adiala Jail? Meet his four sisters

Pakistan's imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan's sister Aleema Khan (2L) speaks to media outside the Adiala prison in Rawalpindi on January 17, 2025. (Photo by Farooq NAEEM / AFP)

The long period of uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan created deep concern among his family and supporters. For almost a month, Khan remained unreachable in Adiala Jail, which led to growing fears about his safety. His sisters, along with senior leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, began gathering outside the jail each day. Their presence turned into a quiet vigil where they demanded answers about his well-being and urged the government to allow them a meeting.

The situation outside the prison soon resembled a sit-in, with PTI workers chanting slogans and asking for updates on Khan’s health. Rumours of a possible assassination attempt added to the anxiety. After continuous pressure, the government finally permitted Khan’s sister, Dr Uzma Khanum, to meet him. This was the first confirmed contact the family had with the former prime minister in several weeks.

A look at Imran Khan’s family

Imran Khan, born on October 5, 1952, in Lahore, is the only brother among four sisters. His siblings Uzma, Aleema, Rubina and Rani have remained supportive throughout his political and legal battles. Their rare public appearance outside Adiala Jail showed the seriousness of their concerns as multiple requests for visits had earlier been denied.

Khan’s father, Ikramullah Khan Niazi, was a civil engineer of Pashtun heritage from Mianwali and contributed to major development projects in Pakistan. His mother, Shaukat Khanum, belonged to the Burki tribe. Her struggle with cancer inspired Khan to build the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, which is now one of the most respected medical institutions in the country.

Profiles of his sisters

Rubina Khanum is a development expert who has worked with the United Nations and maintains a low profile.

Aleema Khanum is a businesswoman and philanthropist involved in several charitable initiatives.

Dr Uzma Khanum is a surgeon who stays away from politics but takes charge during family emergencies.
Rani Khanum, the youngest, works quietly on family-led social projects.

Marriages and children

Khan has been married three times. His first marriage was to Jemima Goldsmith in 1995. They divorced in 2004 but maintain cordial relations. His second marriage, to journalist Reham Khan in 2015, ended within months. His third and current wife is Bushra Bibi, a respected spiritual figure who married him in 2018.

From his marriage to Jemima, Khan has two sons, Suleman Isa Khan and Kasim Khan. Both live in the United Kingdom and keep a low public profile, although they remain close to their father.

Tribal and maternal heritage

Khan’s paternal family comes from the Niazi tribe in Mianwali. His grandfather Muhammad Azim Khan Niazi was a physician, and several other relatives were known for their work as lawyers and businessmen.

On his mother’s side, the Burki family has produced notable figures in Pakistani sports and public service. His maternal grandfather Ahmed Hasan Khan was both a civil servant and an athlete. His uncles held important roles in cricket and medicine, helping cement the family’s standing in national history.